Financial News commissioned Richard Davies Investor Relations to conduct the fourth European study of pension funds. The purpose of the survey was to identify trends in the European pensions industry and participantsâ investment outlook for the next 12 months.

The aims of the survey were to identify the investment outlook of pension fund managers across Europe. Respondents were asked their views with regards to allocation in various asset classes including absolute return products and their relationships with external fund managers.

The survey was compiled from 100 respondents representing a response rate of 13%.

France has not been included in this survey because French pension funds are insured by law and it is the insurance companies that make independent investment decisions rather than pension fund managers.

The respondents were initially contacted by phone, and when they agreed to participate, they were emailed the survey questionnaire. Some respondents could not disclose information with regards to some questions due to internal disclosure restrictions. For each question, the respondents’ answers were aggregated and analysed.